Meds and Supps

Since I have some diseases/disorders that are not curable, I have to take some medicines and supplements that treat the symptoms and/or prevent the conditions from advancing. The body parts that are affected are my kidneys, stomach, small bowel, bladder, ovaries, uterus, and back.

45 minutes before breakfast, I take:

-          Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg tab for kidney stone prevention (keeps excess calcium from being excreted...keeps it in the body tissue instead of free to bind with oxalates)

-          Dexilant DR 60mg cap for gastric ulcer (proton pump inhibitor that limits stomach acid)

-          CVS brand L. acidophilus and B. longum 15mg tab (probiotics to encourage good bacteria)

 

At lunch, I take:

-          CVS brand multi vitamin for women (to fill in the gaps where my diet is limited)

-      CVS brand omega-3 krill oil 300mg (Krill promotes the health of your heart, brain, blood sugar, joints, nervous system, cell membranes, liver, immune system, skin, and more)

-      CVS brand MSM 1000mg (detoxifies body, increases blood circulation, and supports joint and cartilage health)

-      CVS brand biotin 5000mcg (helps to break down fats, protein, and carbs as well as supports healthy skin, hair, and nails)

-      CVS brand vitamin D3 5000iu every other day (helps calcium absorption and maintains strong bones; also allows muscles to function and supports colon and immune health)

-      Finest Nutrition zinc 50mg every other day (promotes a healthy immune system)

  

Other meds and supps, I take:

-          Mirena progestin-only IUD (to ease the symptoms of endometriosis and regulate cycle)

-      Epsom salt bath once a week for 40 minutes (to detox, especially oxalates)

-          Metamucil 1-2 heaping tablespoons in 8oz. water AS NEEDED (for constipation or diarrhea)

-          Extra strength Tylenol 500mg or Tylenol with codeine 2-4x/week AS NEEDED (for headache, pelvic pain, and back pain; I cannot do nsaids because they aren't good for the kidney condition and will also aggravate the gastric ulcer)

-      Tramadol 50mg 2-4x/week AS NEEDED for pain (an alternative to nsaids and Tylenol)

-          Hyoscyamine ER 0.375mg tab 0-1x/week AS NEEDED (for intestinal spasms)

-          Melatonin time-released 5mg tabs 0-2x/week at bedtime AS NEEDED (as a sleep aid)

 Supps I have taken or will be taking in the future:

-          Calcium Magnesium Citrate 200mg/100mg 5x/day 20 minutes before meals (citrate form is more absorbable; oxalates bind to calcium and magnesium in the intestines and exit the body so I'm giving them something to attach to rather than leaking through my gut into the rest of my body)

-     Potassium Citrate 200-400mg divided into three doses a day (still not clear on why this works, but it does have something to do with the kidney disease and preventing more discs from degenerating in my back...need to discuss with nephro and ortho)

-     DDAVP nasal spray (minics anti-diuretic hormone produced by the pituitary to regulate water conservation; my kidneys are producing urine 24/7 and need to take a break at night for sleeping, but my brain isn't giving them enough ADH hormone to do so, thus the need for a synthetic version. I'm hoping for a full night's sleep once I start this medication, that is if my kidney impairment doesn't prevent me from taking it...need to discuss with nephro, uro, and endo)

-    Vitamins B6 and B12 (linked with zinc deficiency, which I almost have, and low levels of alkaline phosphatase, which I consistently have; all four work together, so if one is low, it does affect the others; B6 plays a large role in metabolism and immune function; B12 keeps the nerves and blood cells healthy as well as contributes to making DNA...need to discuss B12 with gastro because if the PPI is limiting the hydrochloric acid in my stomach, then the B12 might not be absorbed correctly)